A Mind Stayed on Christ

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8)

Welcome back dear student, last week we saw how understanding our new identity in Christ will break the back of anxiety. Human nature is to daydream. Visualising happiness just falling from the sky and landing in our lap is not how life works though. Everything of value takes effort and perseverance. Getting lost in daydreaming and disassociating from reality is only an escape or a coping mechanism.

Have you suffered with anxiety?

It's a battle.

But you are stronger than you know friend.

If you think back over all the hours, weeks, days, months, and years that have been wasted entertaining anxiety – has anything ever actually happened? Most times the answer to that is no. Jesus told His disciples to stop worrying (Matthew 6:25-34). Worry is a habit, a doorway to torment but it’s not always fearful thoughts – it can be rage, or unforgiveness that torments the mind just as easy. Even anger at oneself - inwardly churning away, manifesting as condemnation, or accusing oneself.

The Bible mentions the root cause of torment as one of two things: unforgiveness, or fear (Matthew 18:21-35; 1 John 4:18). In recognising destructive thoughts, it becomes clear that they are often familiar, and habitual – quietly working away in the background breeding anxiety, strife, bitterness, anger, or dread. It can be the root cause of many physical or mental afflictions.

What’s needed is a complete renewal.

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:1-2 NLT).

This is where effort kicks in. Jesus gave a key when He warned ‘take no thought, saying…’ (Matthew 6:31). Everything begins with a thought - then a decision is required: what to do with it? With habitual destructive thought patterns our internal filter is hindered – because maybe we are too tired, or too lazy to intervene and stop that thought in its tracks. Or a person doesn’t follow through by replacing the negative thought with another - leaving a gap for more worry, or negativity to fill it.

In the book of Philippians Paul talks about how he had to leave the old ways, and the past behind to move onwards, learning to be content while on the way to breakthrough. It’s vital to release all bitterness and practice rejoicing in the Lord – being thankful for, and hopeful of, God’s goodness. How? By thinking about all the wonderful things God has done. How He loves us so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son to die, to pay for our sins, so that we could be saved. Think about how Jesus took the pain, the grief, the anguish, the terror, so that each one of us could be set free.

These thoughts are not merely the ‘power of positive thinking’ - but are meditating upon the eternal Life-giving Word of God, which changes us from the inside out, by the power of God’s Spirit in His Word (John 6:63). ‘You will keep in perfect peace all whose minds are stayed on You, because they trust in You…Yahweh, the Lord….our Eternal Rock’ (Isaiah 26:3).

King Solomon advises us to meditate upon the Word of God which brings Life to all one’s flesh (Proverbs 4:20-22). The flesh is not just our physical bodies, but our minds too. When Jesus took that crown of thorns on His head it was to break the curse of humiliation, failure, dread, fear, lack, sorrow, and rejection. In facing death alone, whipped and beaten beyond recognition Jesus took that pain for us to be forgiven, cleansed, healed and made whole (Isaiah 53:4-5; 2 Corinthians 10:5).

Entertaining vain imaginations, anxiety, and dread takes years off one’s life – precious moments of a life that Jesus paid for us to enjoy - allowing the enemy get away with murder literally (John 10:10). It's the Truth that we know and understand that sets us free, Jesus said (John 8:32).Many have head knowledge but have barricades around their hearts, mistakenly believing that these are protecting them - but they keep one from receiving all that Jesus paid for with His Blood.

Give Jesus your whole heart - seek God with your whole heart and take those steps to really believe and receive His promise of freedom.

Get into a local Spirit filled Bible church family, and begin a journey walking with Jesus through His Word - go this Sunday and make a start, don't give up - you will make it.

Today, May first, is the beginning of Summer – believe it - your best days are ahead of you dear one, not behind you for that is the Truth!